Renaissance Healing and Learning Center
Cotati, California
Renaissance Healing and Learning Center (RHLC) is a hippotherapy program on Derby Lane in Cotati, in Sonoma County, California. It serves children and adults with physical and emotional challenges. A local news article says a physical therapist opened the center in 1998.
- Hippotherapy led by licensed therapists
- Therapeutic riding
- Horse sponsorship
- Volunteer opportunities
- Children
- Adults
- People with cerebral palsy
- People with autism
- People with Parkinson's disease
- People with developmental delays
- People with back pain
- Stroke recovery and chronic pain clients
More about this center
About the Program
RHLC uses hippotherapy, a clinical treatment provided by licensed physical, occupational or speech therapists. Its website explains that a horse's gait resembles a human walk, so the rhythmic motion supports the natural movement of the spine and pelvis. The website also mentions therapeutic riding.
A local news article says each session includes a licensed therapist, a trained horse handler and side walkers. The same article lists clients with cerebral palsy, autism, rare genetic disorders, developmental delays, stroke recovery needs, trauma, PTSD and chronic pain.
The Horses and Staff
The website's team page lists founder Fran Judd (named Fran Block in local news articles) as a physical therapist with a Graduate Certificate in Hippotherapy from Western Michigan University. It also names Amanda Prestyly Belka, a neonatal RN who the site says has been with RHLC since 1999, and Michelle Christiansen, part of the team since 2006.
Horses named on the site include Stormy, Libby, Smoke, Uno, Buddy and Neon. The center invites supporters to sponsor a horse, and it held an art auction in December 2025 honoring Allie, a former therapy horse the article says was named Therapy Horse of the Year.
Location
RHLC is at 7695 Derby Ln., Cotati, CA 94931. Its website says to take Highway 116 West (Gravenstein Highway) from Highway 101, take the right fork onto Derby Lane, then turn right onto Oak Avenue.
From public records, not yet reviewed by the center · Last updated Oct 2026 Suggest an edit
Common Questions
Answered from the center’s own website and public records.
How do I start hippotherapy at RHLC?
The website does not describe an intake process. Call (707) 664-8919 or email renaissancept@yahoo.com to ask about openings and any referral requirements.
How much does it cost?
Call (707) 664-8919 to ask about rates and insurance, and see our guide to equine therapy costs.
Who can attend?
According to its NCHPAD directory listing, RHLC serves children and adults with physical or emotional challenges, including Parkinson's disease, cerebral palsy, autism, developmental delays and back pain.
Can I volunteer or donate?
Yes. The website has forms for volunteers, a donation link and a horse sponsorship option.
Location
Cotati, California 94931
Questions to Ask When You Call
The center is the best source for these answers.
- Are you running now, and taking new riders?Start here. We couldn’t confirm a current schedule.
- Which ages and needs do you work with?Ask about experience with your rider’s specific condition.
- Is a licensed PT, OT or speech therapist involved?Therapist-led hippotherapy is usually the only kind insurance may cover.
- What does a session cost, and are there scholarships?Many nonprofit programs offer sliding scales or sponsored spots.
- Do you have a mounting ramp or lift?Important for riders who use a wheelchair or need help mounting.